Common Sense Announces Support for the Child Care for Working Families Act

Statement from James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense

Common Sense Kids Action

Thursday, September 14, 2017

James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense, issued the following statement in support of major new federal legislation to help make child care more affordable, accessible and of higher quality for low- and middle-income working families.

Among many important provisions that Common Sense endorses, the bill includes language to encourage caregivers to implement best practices regarding young children's exposure to screen media. Common Sense and the American Academy of Pediatrics have worked together to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of limiting screen time for infants and toddlers, choosing media carefully and co-viewing with children aged 0-5.

"Every working parent knows how important it is to secure child care that allows them to earn a living to support their families, knowing that infants and toddlers are being cared for in a safe and educational environment in the formative years of their lives. But for far too many American families, especially those with lower incomes and those in rural areas, child care is too often unaffordable and inaccessible.

"Common Sense Kids Action strongly endorses the Child Care for Working Families Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Bobby Scott, a bill that would offer parents much-needed relief on their child care bills, help to improve the quality of care in every state, and ensure that child care providers are paid enough to be able to support their own families. Quality early childhood services is a leading issue at Common Sense and we are proud to support this bill as an important step in helping to make kids our nation’s top priority."

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Help center

Follow Common Sense Media

Common Sense, Common Sense Media, Common Sense Education, and Common Sense Kids Action, associated names, associated trademarks, and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN 41-2024986).